Discovery Life Policy HUGE premium increases

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Well-Known Member

Just had my anniversary letter from Discovery for my Life/Disability/Dread Disease Policy, and nearly had a heart attack. They increased my premium by 16.9%. A huge portion was due to my Vitality level (blue) and low spend (R0) on my discovery card.

I cancelled my Discovery Card during the year as the FNB card gives me better benefits, and my Vitality stays on Blue as I just do not have the time to jump through their hoops (and not a fitness fanatic). I have had the policy for 18 years, and they are making it unaffordable as you get older.

I would seriously suggest looking elsewhere for your life/disability/dread disease unless you are prepared to maintain your Vitality status to be as high as possible (fitness fanatic) all the way until you retire.

Mine says cpi + risk. And if you read further it talks about Extr premium increases if you on blue and you will also forfeit annual discount decreases if you on blue. And maybe since you stop the credit card you probably stop getting the initial discount. a portion of the 16% is probably once off. Depending on your age I think it might sound about right. Oh btw it's quite easy to get to gold. No need to be a fitness freak. Your assessments alone should put you pass silver.

I'm happy with my life cover for now. Not sure about your policy but all the increases is in my policy. So there's no hidden surprises. I'm more worried about my car insurance with them because it doesn't really state the increases although there's a nice feat that if I drive well and don't get into an accident my premium will never increase.

Senior Member

Mine says cpi + risk. And if you read further it talks about Extr premium increases if you on blue and you will also forfeit annual discount decreases if you on blue. And maybe since you stop the credit card you probably stop getting the initial discount. a portion of the 16% is probably once off. Depending on your age I think it might sound about right. Oh btw it's quite easy to get to gold. No need to be a fitness freak. Your assessments alone should put you pass silver.

I'm happy with my life cover for now. Not sure about your policy but all the increases is in my policy. So there's no hidden surprises. I'm more worried about my car insurance with them because it doesn't really state the increases although there's a nice feat that if I drive well and don't get into an accident my premium will never increase.

Can also do a few park runs during the year for 300 points a week. No need to pay for a gym. It's not that difficult to get points. You can also get 50/100 points when you do 5k/10k steps in a day. Even just once a week, over a year those days will add up.

If a person is on Blue it means they're very inactive and haven't even done the assessments. So they are a higher risk hence premiums will be increased.

When you are running your own business, it means finding the time to go and do the assessments, and jumping through Discovery’s hoops. Between professional CPD and dealing with SARS etc etc etc there are enough organizations demanding that I entertain their every whim.

Spare time is scarce and I prefer to spend it on what matters to me, not Discovery. I do walk and exercise, but it’s not in their controlled environment.

Personally I think my broker sold me the incorrect policy, and it’s up to him to sort the mess. Otherwise it’s time to find one who will.

Honorary Master

I don't have all of this vitality and cards and other things on my policy, straight life policy with annual adjustments specified for many years into the future, and they have increased over the past 5 years exactly as specified.